Iconic fashion and homeware brand set to RETURN to the high street a year after all stores disappeared
AN ICONIC fashion and homeware chain is making a surprise return to the high street after all its stores closed when it collapsed into administration.
Cath Kidston will open its first new store next month, The Sun can reveal.
Renowned for its charming floral designs and quirky vintage-style homeware, Cath Kidston had been a beloved fixture on the British high street since 1993.
However, the retailer crashed into administration last year and the last of its bricks-and-mortar stores closed in June 2023.
Next acquired the Cath Kidston brand, meaning people could continue to buy online and at the retailer’s stores.
Now it is due to open a new store on October 18 at Westfield White City, London.
Cath Kidston has teased the return on Instagram with images of the hoardings branded with its familiar florals.
In the post, it said: “Why yes. Yes, you guessed right.
“We do indeed we have a new home opening soon. Can anyone tell where in London we’ll be opening our doors?”
Reacting to the post, one shopper said: “I was heartbroken when the stores closed!
“I am so happy to hear this.”
Another said: “Really missed your shops! Can’t wait to go to Westfield White City.”
Next declined to comment on whether the opening is part of plans to open more stores in the future or a one-off location.
Next has been known to save failing companies from administration.
In November 2022, it bought furniture store Made.com and in early 2023 it took a stake in baby and maternity clothing retailer JoJo Maman Bebe.
Next started selling Gap clothing online in late 2021 too, after it took over the running of the high street brand.
Cath Kidston isn’t the only bust chain to be reopening high street stores.
HISTORY OF CATH KIDSTON
CATH Kidston was founded in 1993 by Cath Kidston, a British designer known for her vintage-inspired prints and nostalgic floral patterns.
The first shop opened in London’s Holland Park, initially selling hand-embroidered tea towels and brightly coloured furniture.
Over the years, the brand expanded its range to include clothing, accessories, and homeware, quickly becoming a beloved name in British fashion and design.
Cath Kidston’s distinctive aesthetic, often characterised by whimsical and cheerful motifs, has garnered a loyal following both in the UK and internationally.
At its peak, the retailer operated out of more than 200 stores.
Despite facing financial challenges and ownership changes, the brand continues to be celebrated for its quintessentially British charm and creativity.
Cath Kidston initially collapsed into administration back in April 2020.
The retailer immediately closed 60 UK stores, making 908 staff redundant.
It was rescued by Hilco Capital in June 2022 but fell into administration once again in 2023.
The brand was bought by Next in March 2023.
Its four remaining stores in Ashford, York, Cheshire Oaks, and Piccadilly, as well as its website, were shut down.
However, shoppers have since been able to buy the range online and in Next stores.
BRANDS RETURNING TO THE HIGH STREET
Several previously bust retailers are returning to the high street.
Fashion chain M&Co returned to the high street after previously collapsing into administration and closing all stores.
The chain opened its first new store on May 3 in Newton Mearns, Scotland.
Almost a year after collapsing into administration, Wilko has made its high street comeback.
Thanks to the efforts of its new owner, The Range, Wilko stores have been reappearing across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Currently, six stores are open, with the latest site located in the Dolphin Centre in Poole.
Toys R Us is also among those who’ve managed to make a comeback.
The popular toy brand opened up nine new shops in 2023 after vanishing from the high street in 2018.
However, the new stores are slightly different as they are “shop-in-shops” and are located inside WHSmith stores.
Fans of Laura Ashley can once again buy their favourite clothing items both online and in-store at Next.
Ted Baker will reopen its online business in the UK later this year, in welcome news to shoppers.
Topshop could also be making a dramatic comeback to the British high street in a welcome boost for shoppers who mourned its loss.
Asos bought Topshop out of administration for £265million in 2021.
And last month, ASOS’s boss suggested a return to bricks and mortar shops was on the cards.